The end of summer in Ras Al Khaimah brings with it the usual rush… school supply lists, earlier wake-up calls, uniform checks, and the looming struggle of dragging kids out of holiday mode. Whether it’s your child’s first year or their final one, the back-to-school shift can feel overwhelming for both parents and kids. Add in the heat and back-to-work pressure, and things can quickly get hectic.
The good news? With a little planning and some local know-how, you can ease the transition and even make it exciting for the family. From adjusting routines to finding school essentials in the right places, a few smart moves now can make those first few weeks smoother, calmer, and less stressful for everyone.
Here’s how Ras Al Khaimah families can get back into school mode:
Start resetting the routine early
After weeks of sleeping late and Netflix marathons, switching back to 6am alarms can feel tough. Begin easing your child into school mode by slowly adjusting bedtimes and wake-up times a week before school starts. Swap screen time for a wind-down walk on Al Qawasim Corniche or beachside evenings at Al Marjan Island, something calm but enjoyable.
Therefore, mornings won’t be such a shock to the system, and everyone starts the day with less shouting and more smiles.
Begin the back-to-school checklist early
Waiting until the last weekend to buy supplies and uniforms? Guaranteed panic. Things go out of stock, and shops get packed. Shop ahead. Stock up at Manar Mall or RAK Mall, grab budget-friendly snacks and lunchbox fillers from Lulu Hypermarket, and double-check uniforms for fit. Have everything packed and ready a few days in advance.
If done, you’ll avoid last-minute runs, and your child will feel ready and confident walking into class on day one.
Talk through first-day jitters
New schools, new teachers, or even just moving up a grade can trigger anxiety in kids (and parents, let’s be honest). If possible, take a drive to the school before the first day. Talk through what to expect, highlight the fun stuff (new friends, new subjects), and ask them how they’re feeling. Remind them it’s normal to feel nervous.
As a result, they’ll walk into school with fewer butterflies and a sense of calm, knowing they’ve got your support.
Stay in the loop with the school
With busy schedules, it’s easy to miss school updates or forget important dates, and then you’re the parent frantically trying to arrange a costume for “Book Day” at midnight. To avoid this, make a habit of checking emails, WhatsApp groups, and parent portals regularly. Attend orientation sessions, even if just to put faces to names.
You’ll be one step ahead of school life, and your child will feel more supported knowing you’re involved.
Balance homework with downtime
Kids return home tired, and jumping straight into homework can lead to resistance, tantrums, or a total shutdown. Give them a short break, something that helps them unwind before they dive back in. A quick splash at home, drawing, a board game, or an after-school activity at clubs like Northern Dance Academy or football sessions at RAK Academy can help break the routine.
So evenings can become less of a battleground, and the learning continues without the stress.
Back-to-school season in Ras Al Khaimah doesn’t have to mean a struggle. With a little planning, a few local hacks, and a flexible mindset, families can take the edge off the transition and even enjoy it. New year, new grade, new routines, and you’ve got this.
Got any feedback or suggestions? We’d love to hear from you! Feel free to reach out at hello@heartofrak.com